How to repair dry rot is an aspect that many damage contractors deal with in their perennial affair with water damaged homes or commercial establishments. Dry rot is a form of decay that happens on timber on wooden structures in residential and commercial establishments. It is caused by a particular kind of fungi.

This is basically used to describe the rotting of wood that has been cured for the purpose of construction compared to the decay of an actual living tree. Therefore, there is a logical idea as to why it is called dry rot. Nonetheless, whatever its linguistic origins are, it can cause a lot of damage to the structure of the home. Added moisture on the wood can cause further growth of molds that could then result to more serious damage to the timber. It is necessary to understand the ways in which dry rot can be repair can be addressed.

Be sure to dry out the whole room

Water damage is the main reason for dry rot. Be sure that before you work on the areas with dry rot, you work with a perfectly dry surface. This will prevent the further growth of molds that can cause rotting. You can use a dehumidifier to remove the extra moisture in the air. Only then can you proceed with the next step.

Removing the rot

You have to chip out or remove the rotting wood on the areas where it is affected. This will help in stopping the growth of the mold across the other uninfected areas of the wood.  Use a knife, or a woodworking item. Do not use your bare hands as you will be removing areas that are filled with fungi and you do  not want to hold on to it.  Depending on the area that was affected by the rot, you might want to create a form o the sides so that the filler that will be placed later will be able to take the shape of the original structure. Be sure to put a lubricant to prevent the mold from sticking to the filler.

Stabilizer

This is an important part of how to repair dry rot. Buy a stabilizer and brush a good amount on the area where the rot was originally from. A stabilizer is a chemical that can be used to prevent the chemical reaction between chemicals. This is the antonym of a catalyst. So that means the stabilizer will prevent the exposed area of the wood from getting damaged or rotten with this product. For timber, of course, you need a wood stabilizer that looks pretty much like glue. Let it sit and dry for several hours before you proceed with the next method.

Grain filler

Once the stabilizer has fully dried up, prepare the grain filler. This is a product used in woodworking that is used to create a smooth finish on the wood by filling the porous surface of the wood. It is composed of a binder, solvent and the bulking agent. This is also known as the wood putty and is used to fill in some of the imperfections. Once the putty has been applied, place the activator that is included in the putty set. Just put a small amount. Just make sure that you stir it. Remember to apply a small layer. Layer the application for a better result. Once you are done filling the whole area, sand the surface.

Learning how to repair dry rot is not really a difficult task. For a DIY enthusiast, this is a great way to change damaged furniture due to water damage into something that looks new and beautiful. You spend just a little amount but the results are brilliant and lasting.

You can find more about Water damage and dry rot on our website.

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